The project launched by Eastern Cape Premier, Mr. Phumulo Masualle in February this year to upgrade Mthatha stadium is forging ahead. The project has been officially handed over on the 13 October 2016 to Freemason Construction for the implementation of the first phase of the upgrade.
The Acting Executive Mayor, Cllr Nombulelo Sibeko appreciated the work done so far and cited that KSD supports initiatives of this kind since they benefit the community. “Lives of the people will be improved through this project. Employment will be created and economic activities will increase” she said.
The R9, 9 million project is set to start on Monday, 17 October 2017. This is after the Department of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture, DSRAC received a R10 million conditional grant from National Lotteries Commission for the revamping of Mthatha Stadium. Part of the contractor’s scope includes fencing of the pitch, maintenance of the current building as it has got leakages, construction of temporal media and VIP centre, repair of tickets site. This amount (R9, 9 million) includes some of work that has been done already such as pitch maintenance and purchasing of new goal posts.
The local businesses were given a priority on this project. The main contractor awarded to implement the project is Mthatha based and has sub-contracted other qualified local contractors.
President of Eastern Cape Sports Council and a Chairperson of Technical Steering Committee, Mr. Mkhuseli Magada expressed his contentment on how the project is progressing and they are working within the conditions of the grant from Lotteries and he is convinced that they will be granted the R220 million which is meant for the second stage of the upgrade.
Councillor for Ward 6, Cllr Tsepo Machaea stated that the upgrade of the stadium will have a positive impact to the KSD people. “The project will certainly create job opportunities for our local community and also boost our economy as the facility will also been used for other purposes.” he said.
